There are occasions when one feels like trying some really random game with a strange name expecting there to be practically no relation between the game and the title. Or perhaps your curiousity is just overwhelming to the point of looking to try it by any means necessary... Then there's me.

I was browsing the PSP game library when I noticed "Parodius Portable". I had been a fan of Parodius ever since I tried Gokujou Parodius on the SNES after my friend, Sebrex, told me about it. After extracting the files and putting it on the system (pirating wee), I started it up and realized that it was a compilation of all 5 parodius games.

Looking through the list, I noticed at the end of the list there was something that looked odd. Then I remembered Sexy Parodius existed. Eager to test it, I played it right away. And it had some very.... "interesting" elements. Those of which I will go into further detail later in this review.

Some background on the series, Parodius is a parody of the space shooter series "Gradius". It features a lot of animals as well as a very hot Bunny Lady person who rides a missle. Neat huh?

Graphics: 7. Personally, after trying the rest of the Parodius games, my conclusion is that the graphics in Sexy Parodius are the best in the series. No, not because of the fanservice, but rather because everything looks clear, smooth, and well done. For instance in the first level, which lacks fanservice entirely, the scenery all fits together. The enemies are nice happy penguins skipping along in a nice green field full of flowers. The popcorn from the bosses attack also looks surprisingly delicious, too.

Now, the game IS called "Sexy" Parodius. So, I suppose the rather risque or lewd aspects of the graphics should be taken into account and warrant its own paragraph. Now, I'm not one who is typically interested in this stuff. I'm not. I'm just a kid, and I just see it as any other normal graphics. The most I could say is it is biologically accurate to an extent, and the women have nice legs, if that. But to any other person, I'm sure they would have loads to say about all of the other things in the game that some people might enjoy. If you enjoy it, then this game's graphics is for you.

Beware though, there is a very accurate depiction of the Legendary Tanuki from japanese legend. (If you know what that is, then you understand. If you don't know what it is, don't look it up because you probably won't want to know. Just keep in mind it IS Japan and they have a very strange sense of humor).

Also they made medusa have a somewhat attractive face.

Sound: 8. Due to the fact the game is a Gradius parody, naturally the game would contain epic music typically associated with space shooters (Such as Ikaruga and G Darius). Taking this into account, there is also a wide variety of other songs that are more fitting for less serious and epic situations. The music in the first level blends together perfectly, as it is upbeat and happy. Listening to the music while shooting all the happy little penguins and happy flowers and corn cobs shooting at you is just so enjoyable.

Depending on which character you pick, there will be different music in the middle of switching from stage 1 to stage 2. You could consider it to be a sort of intermission. Taking that into account, the variety of music grows even larger.

In a particular boss battle, there was even a sort of remix of a Beethoven Symphony. And since I love classical, you can expect that I would be all about it.

In another mission, there was even the beginning of a Castlevania song in the background music. Coincidentally, it was the level with the castle. And medusa.

Addictiveness: 6. When I start a game of Sexy Parodius, I typically do not stop until I get to the end for the sheer fact that blasting all sorts of animals and breakable objects with 7 rapid-fire carrot-shooting rabbit heads while flying through a bathhouse full of mermaids and destroying a giant penguin with a toilet on his head is pretty awesome.

If you just want to chill to some awesome beats, snazzy graphics, and fantasy mayhem, then chances are you'll be playing this quite a lot. Casually or competitively, it makes you come back for more.

Story: 2. Parodius isn't typically known for its stories. The story is incredibly short and has no signifigance whatsoever. The story goes something to the effect of: Takosuke runs a business that revolves around solving peoples problems. Each "problem" is a mission in itsself. The first mission being catchy an outlaw, the second being collecting coins, etc.

Soon after solving some of these problems, Takosuke ransacks the agency, stealing all of the money and what looks to be dirty magazines or posters. From here, the final mission starts and has 1 of the 2 outcomes.

If you fail to catch up to Takosuke: He gets all the women and money.

If you catch up to Takosuke: He gets crushed by the rump of a woman and dies, and everyone in the game celebrates by partying and drinking.

Not very imaginative, and not very interesting. But what do you expect from a 2D sidescrolling shoot-em-up anyways?

Depth: 4. Though the game only has a few levels, it makes up for it with 2 endings, and many playable characters that have several different powerups. Also you should take into account the whole intermission thing I mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, that's as far as this game stretches. Still worth at least 4 or 5 playthroughs though.

Difficulty: 3. Because of the version I played had an autofire feature, it wasn't that hard. I played it without using autofire, and it was still pretty easy. You just have to know how to dodge bullets and shoot really fast to beat it, just like any other bullet-hell style Shoot-em-Up. The easiness is a good factor though, since you can play it extremely casually.

Overall: 7. The game mechanics of Sexy Parodius, the lack of difficulty, and the fast-paced action is a great combination. Although the game could do without the "unsavory" themes, I don't think I would change it at all. I might not enjoy it, but its just too fitting to remove.

If you don't mind it, then chances are you'll enjoy this game, as well as be apalled at how they just throw those things out there and only get a CERO C rating (That would be 15+ for those who don't know the CERO rating system.)

Thanks for reading.

Although the game does not sound attractive to me in anywa, I nevertheless salute you excellent review. It is structured well, you give it ample details along with the expectations you had since it was based on a previous game. I loved how you walked around describing the "sexy" elements. Good job!

Good review! I enjoyed reading it! Actually the Parodius games are a long standing series from Japan. Some of the games in the series are quite good actually. Some are so/so but overall they are a pretty fun format to the Shmup genre.

This game sounds like one of those games you play for 15 minutes for some mindless fun. It actually sounds like a game I'd enjoy. xP
You did a great job. I enjoyed reading it too! Plus anything with popcorn is an instant 10/10 for me. Are there other Parodius games you'd recommend?

Nice review, and to answer your question it exists because Japan and it's fun because it's just outright randomness.







PS : Cho Aniki is as random as that :3

A user of this : I'd suggest Gokujou Parodius on SNES. It's got the silly random fantasy stuff but without the uh.. uh.. Stuff.

That stuff.

the stuff in the reviewed game.

so hows the weather

18mlivingston : Cho Aniki would be a great game if it weren't for all the homoeroticism. But the entire game is 100% homoeroticism so I can't see removing it..

They have some pretty interesting boxart though~ It's fun to edit in MSPaint lol

To people wanting to play this game, the rank system in this game is BRUTAL. I STRONGLY recommend barely powering up for the first two or so stages, then slowly powering up from there on out. The game can get so hard that the enemies will start firing suicide bullets (bullets upon death) by stage 4 in the game. If you're a beginner, playing in Auto mode is recommended.